International mediators, including the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, are set to hold a new round of talks in Qatar on Thursday, aiming to halt the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and secure the release of numerous hostages. This diplomatic effort is seen as a critical opportunity to prevent a broader regional war as the conflict, which began on October 7, nears its tenth month, with Palestinian casualties approaching 40,000.

The proposed ceasefire is seen as essential to reducing tensions across the Middle East, potentially deterring Iran and Hezbollah from launching retaliatory strikes against Israel. These concerns have escalated following the deaths of a senior Hezbollah commander in an Israeli airstrike and Hamas' top political leader in an explosion in Iran.

The mediators have been working on a three-phase plan, which includes Hamas releasing hostages in exchange for a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. While both sides have agreed in principle to the plan, disagreements over specific terms have stalled progress. Hamas has proposed amendments, while Israel has sought clarifications, leading to mutual accusations of introducing new, unacceptable demands.

Hamas has rejected Israel’s latest demands, which include maintaining a military presence along the Egypt-Gaza border and a security zone within Gaza. Hamas spokesperson Osama Hamdan emphasized that the group is only interested in implementing the agreed-upon framework and not in renegotiating its content.

Despite Hamas’ refusal to participate in the talks, mediated by the U.S. in Qatar, American officials remain hopeful for progress. CIA Director Bill Burns and U.S. Middle East envoy Brett McGurk will represent Washington in the negotiations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated Israel’s commitment to "total victory" against Hamas and the release of all hostages, although concerns persist about the durability of any ceasefire.

Hamas, however, remains skeptical, accusing Israel of stalling the process. The group’s chief negotiator, based in Doha, maintains open channels with Egypt and Qatar, leaving room for potential indirect consultations after Thursday’s session. Hamas insists on adhering to the terms presented on July 2, which are based on a U.N. Security Council resolution and a speech by President Joe Biden.

Meanwhile, tensions are high across the region. In Lebanon, U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein is working to prevent further escalation between Hezbollah and Israel after the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut. In Gaza, Israeli forces have intensified operations in Khan Younis in response to Hamas rocket fire, leading to fierce clashes. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with ongoing displacement and severe shortages of food and supplies.

As the conflict continues, the international community watches closely, hoping that the Qatar talks can yield a breakthrough and prevent an even more devastating regional conflict.